Checkmate of Silent Night

Calista turned around to see all the queens from each region standing behind her. She needed this, the show of support and defiance of Tethys’ rule to complete the battle. Calista whirled back around to face Tethys, whose face held an expression of pure terror. As she approached Tethys, the reigning queen fell on her…

Calista rejoined Jergen. Followed by the other regions, they exited Council, where they were greeted by their guard, and then solemnly strode to their respective carriages. As soon as the door to their carriage closed, she moved over to Jergen and kissed him. She no longer needed his words of support. His final kiss would…

“I know we need change, so change I will bring to our region and the kingdom. We need it to fix Arelia. We need it to ensure the future of all merfolk. I believe you will also agree with me on that.” Jergen rose from his throne and stood next to Calista. “Do you agree…

Calista raised her glass to her lips. They had only exchanged courtesies until this moment, but she became eager to start implanting the suggestions of rebellion. “Again,” Calista said, “I am pleased that you have journeyed here straight from Council. I know that could not have been an easy decision to go against Queen Tethys.”…

“I cannot… cannot allow that,” Sachiel said. “Queen Tethys would send me to serve the Rusalkas.” “Very well,” Calista said, moving back. Without delay, her guard rushed the three mermen, who were no match for them. Kaspar had Sachiel on the ground, crying out in pain as his arm was broken, while Laiken and Bao…

Calista struggled to remember the mermaid’s name, but she didn’t have to guess for long. “I am Ianthe, and my family has always lived in Arelia. With respect for your throne and sub-mate, how do you plan on bringing us back to glory? We have lost so much under… I mean…” She lowered her head…

“Are you asking me to admit weakness and doubt?” He chuckled. “Not at all, my queen. But, if you don’t confide in me, I cannot lift you up to a place of confidence.” She grinned, and water filtered through the gills in the sides of her neck. As her breath bubbled out around them, she…

Raen and Oshurus returned with the red robes of Arelia. Calista and Jergen rotated until their backs faced the attendants, who then draped the robes over their shoulders. They turned again and raised their arms so the attendants could tie the robes for them, a custom of Council. When they finished, Sachiel said, “I believe…

“I am sorry to hear that,” she said to Namiso. “I cannot imagine what Arelia would do with such a great loss. Am I correct that this will be a topic at Council, and one you have raised before?” Namiso nodded. “How has Queen Tethys alleviated your plight?” “Our cries have not been answered. I…

A rumble went up from Council, some approving “yeas” mixed with disapproving grunts. “I realize my father did not always receive appreciation for his ideas, yet his proposals were for change. To better our worlds, to unite merfolk as one. To pit us against our own sufferings rather than creating more by battling the humans.”…